Actinomycosis in medical terminology, actinomycosis is infectious disease of horses, cattle, swine, and humans, also called lumpy jaw or big jaw. It is caused by several species of bacteria of the genus Actinomyces (see FUNGUS INFECTIONS). In humans it is caused mainly by Actinomyces israelii, a component of the normal flora of the mouth and tonsillar crypts.
The bacteria invade decayed teeth, diseased tonsils, and soft mouth tissues. The disease is characterized chiefly by abscessed, swollen, and lumpy tissues of the jaw. The lungs and intestinal tract may also become infected. It is treated by draining abscessed tissues and by using large doses of penicillin or tetracycline Actinomycosis in medical terminolgy
